Photo: daizuoxin/Shutterstock

Tai Shan: A Sacred Climb

National Parks China
Photo: daizuoxin/Shutterstock
Carlo Alcos
Apr 15, 2009
Almost 500 km south of Beijing, the city of Tai’an in Shandong province is home to one of the “Five Sacred Mountains” of China.

At its tallest point, the Jade Emperor peak tops out at 1545 meters. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tai Shan is loaded with historical, cultural, and natural significance — pilgrims have been making the trek up the mountain for over 3,000 years to pay religious homage.

There are a total of 22 temples, 97 ruins, 819 stone tablets, and 1018 inscriptions. That should keep you busy for a few minutes.

Almost 80% of the mountain is covered in vegetation, including medicinal plants and ancient flora such as the Han Dynasty Cypresses — planted 2100 years ago — and the Tang Chinese Scholartree, growing now for 1300 years.

Live to be a centurion

It’s said that you will live to see 100 years if you climb this sacred mountain. There are several options for the 4-7 hour ascent, some shorter than others, with the main route being a brick path all the way up. As at many of China’s other tourist hotspots, expect to be followed by vendors trying to earn a renmimbi or two.

For the not-so-physically inclined, there are 24-hour buses that run to the midway point of the mountain. A cable car is also available for eagle-eye views.

Catching the sunrise is a popular activity but requires nighttime hiking or sleeping at the top. Make sure to bring a flashlight!

Some logistics

Taishan station is Tai’an’s train stop and is serviced by trains coming from Beijing and Shanghai. From the station, local bus #3 will get you to the base of the mountain. Taxis are also available, and you may even want to walk to the closer access entry points to warm yourself up for the climb.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

For thirteen more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, David DeFranza rounds ’em up here.

What did you think of this story?
Meh
Good
Awesome

More on

China

12 Sweet, Savory, and Delicious Chinese Desserts You Have To Try

Map: The 8 Longest Direct Train Routes in the World

Athletes at 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Must Remain in 'Closed-Loop' System

94 Percent of People in China Live East of This Line

The Best Airbnbs in Beijing for Every Type of Traveler

It's True -- McDonald's Is Putting Stationary Bikes in Its Restaurants

What It's Like To Be a 2022 Olympics Ski Patroller: Quarantines, King-Size Beds, and 80 Mph Skiing

The 8 Largest Lesser-Visited Chinese Cities That Should Be on Your Radar

10 of the World's Tallest Bungee Jumps With the Most Insane Views

A Floating Mattress Takes This Chinese Hotel's Infinity Pool To the Next Level

More on

National Parks

How To Visit Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar

Get To Know the Real Banff, From Hot Springs and Waterfalls To Historic Town Sites

7 Great Wilderness Areas and State Parks Near Yosemite National Park

This Lux Eco-Lodge Puts All Other Puerto Natales Hotels To Shame

8 Perks of Using a Guide in Torres Del Paine National Park

8 Unique Airbnbs by Grand Canyon National Park

Save Bookmark

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. For more information read our privacy policy.